Published: Monday, August 26, 2013 at 2:01 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, August 26, 2013 at 2:01 p.m.

Facts

Owings

Hometown: Clemson, S.C. He has lived in Hendersonville since 1985Current position: Henderson County Cooperative Extension directorFamily: Married to Patty; they have two sons, Alan, 37, and Wain, 33; two sisters in town, Nettie and Ammie

I've been going ever since I became the fruit agent here in '85. There have been some major changes. It has certainly grown in size and the number of attendees. When I first came on board, there were very few local apple growers in attendance. Through the Blue Ridge Apple Growers Association and the Blue Ridge Farm Direct Market Association, we encourage growers to get more involved with the festival.

It grew from just a few growers back in the mid-'80s to about 15 growers as vendors today, and it has truly become an apple festival rather than just a festival.

What is your favorite part of the Apple Festival?

Well, I am kind of biased because we have an (N.C. Cooperative) Extension educational exhibit that we have set up every year since I first came. We let the public sample different new varieties of apples and it's called the "apple taste test." We grow these new varieties in our variety block, which is located in Dana.

The public can taste these varieties, and then they fill out a questionnaire card letting us know why they like a particular apple as far as the appearance and also flavor. We also get demographic information about how they found out about the Apple Festival, where they live, approximate age, where they buy fruit from normally, and the reasons why they like a particular variety of apple.

Why do you think the Apple Festival is so important to the community?

It has a tremendous history. The first Apple Festival, according to what I've read, started in Saluda as a spring festival and eventually came to Hendersonville, where the majority of apples are grown. It is a family event and there are generations of families that participate, so even when some family members leave to move to other areas, they come back to enjoy the festival as they did as a youngster. It is a true family experience.

If you could change anything about the festival, what would it be?

Presently there is a waiting list for local growers to participate, and I wish there were more corners or more room to allow them all to participate, but because of the space constraints that's really not practical. That's the only thing I would change if there were a way to expand the downtown area, so that more growers could participate.

What was your reaction to finding out you would be Grand Marshal?

I am very honored. I have had many friends who have been the Grand Marshal, and it's a real honor. To me, it's not so much honoring me or others, it's honoring the history of the apple industry here and the growers and their families over the decades.

These folks are producing a living for countless generations, and it's not an easy way to make a living but it's very rewarding — very challenging as well.

How did you start working with apples?

I finished in ornamental horticulture from Clemson University in '75, and then after working three years with the Clemson Extension, I realized that I had a passion for tree fruits. I went back to graduate school at Clemson for my master's degree in tree fruit production and horticulture.

From there, I moved to Spartanburg County as a peach agent and horticulture agent for five years. I was contacted by the agent up here; he was the county director at the time. That was the summer of '85, and I have been here ever since. I've been very blessed to have gotten the job and work with the growers. It's not really a job, it's a passion. And it's something that I have been very fortunate to be a part of over these past 28 years.

Favorite apple

The Honeycrisp eaten out of hand.

Favorite apple dishes

Turnover and cobblers made with Wolf River apples, which are great for cooking since they hold their shape even when cooked.

<p>How long have you been going to the Apple Festival, and what changes have you noticed over the years?</p><p>I've been going ever since I became the fruit agent here in '85. There have been some major changes. It has certainly grown in size and the number of attendees. When I first came on board, there were very few local apple growers in attendance. Through the Blue Ridge Apple Growers Association and the Blue Ridge Farm Direct Market Association, we encourage growers to get more involved with the festival.</p><p>It grew from just a few growers back in the mid-'80s to about 15 growers as vendors today, and it has truly become an apple festival rather than just a festival.</p><p>What is your favorite part of the Apple Festival?</p><p>Well, I am kind of biased because we have an (N.C. Cooperative) Extension educational exhibit that we have set up every year since I first came. We let the public sample different new varieties of apples and it's called the "apple taste test." We grow these new varieties in our variety block, which is located in Dana.</p><p>The public can taste these varieties, and then they fill out a questionnaire card letting us know why they like a particular apple as far as the appearance and also flavor. We also get demographic information about how they found out about the Apple Festival, where they live, approximate age, where they buy fruit from normally, and the reasons why they like a particular variety of apple.</p><p>Why do you think the Apple Festival is so important to the community?</p><p>It has a tremendous history. The first Apple Festival, according to what I've read, started in Saluda as a spring festival and eventually came to Hendersonville, where the majority of apples are grown. It is a family event and there are generations of families that participate, so even when some family members leave to move to other areas, they come back to enjoy the festival as they did as a youngster. It is a true family experience.</p><p>If you could change anything about the festival, what would it be?</p><p>Presently there is a waiting list for local growers to participate, and I wish there were more corners or more room to allow them all to participate, but because of the space constraints that's really not practical. That's the only thing I would change if there were a way to expand the downtown area, so that more growers could participate.</p><p>What was your reaction to finding out you would be Grand Marshal?</p><p>I am very honored. I have had many friends who have been the Grand Marshal, and it's a real honor. To me, it's not so much honoring me or others, it's honoring the history of the apple industry here and the growers and their families over the decades.</p><p>These folks are producing a living for countless generations, and it's not an easy way to make a living but it's very rewarding — very challenging as well.</p><p>How did you start working with apples?</p><p>I finished in ornamental horticulture from Clemson University in '75, and then after working three years with the Clemson Extension, I realized that I had a passion for tree fruits. I went back to graduate school at Clemson for my master's degree in tree fruit production and horticulture.</p><p>From there, I moved to Spartanburg County as a peach agent and horticulture agent for five years. I was contacted by the agent up here; he was the county director at the time. That was the summer of '85, and I have been here ever since. I've been very blessed to have gotten the job and work with the growers. It's not really a job, it's a passion. And it's something that I have been very fortunate to be a part of over these past 28 years.</p><p>Favorite apple</p><p>The Honeycrisp eaten out of hand.</p><p>Favorite apple dishes</p><p>Turnover and cobblers made with Wolf River apples, which are great for cooking since they hold their shape even when cooked.</p>